IBM 3740

IBM 3740

IBM introduced the 3740 data entry system on January 22, 1973.
The 3740 moved the product line a step further into field effect
transistor (FET) technology, and was developed and manufactured
in IBM's facility in Rochester, Minn. The integrated family
of 3740 products introduced a new recording medium -- the IBM
diskette -- and was the first IBM General Systems Division
product to use FET technology.

The IBM 3740 data entry system brought fast, flexible, efficient
data entry to either high-production, centralized operations
or to decentralized, remote operations. By using 1,898-record
IBM diskettes as the entry medium rather than punched cards
or computer tape, the 3740 also provided wider application
possibilities than other contemporary entry methods.

Seen in the foreground of this 3740 product publicity shot
is the IBM 3742 dual data station, which was designed primarily
for centralized, high-production data entry. It was used by
two operators concurrently, with each one keying to his own
diskette.

Pictured in the left background is the IBM 3747 data converter,
a standalone unit that converted diskette data into half-inch
computer tape. To its right, in the middle background, is
an IBM 3713 printer that printed at up to 40 characters a
second. At the far right stands an IBM 3741 data station which
was designed as a decentralized data entry work station.

The IBM 3740 data entry system was withdrawn from marketing
on December 20, 1983, nearly 11 years after its debut